Devoncast

We look into the chaos caused by Storm Ingrid and Storm Chandra, as strong winds and heavy rain battered communities across Devon. Several areas were flooded, with dozens of people rescued from homes and vehicles.

A former Devon Bishop has been officially confirmed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, following a ceremony held at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Plus, a sneak peek ahead to the summer months, as the Devon Air Ambulance Heli Hike returns for a second year after a successful debut in 2025.

Josh Tate presents this edition of Devoncast

A very busy edition of Devoncast!

Two World War Two bombs have been found at separate sites in Devon, with bomb disposal teams carrying out controlled operations.

In Exeter, local elections will not be held this May after the city council requested permission to cancel the polls during preparations for local government reorganisation.

The Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is also returning, bringing authors and speakers to East Devon.

And finally, Cockington’s famous Guinness drinking Shetland pony Patrick could help save the village’s visitor centre, with plans to turn it into a community hub built around the therapy pony.

Josh Tate presents this edition

In the latest episode of Devoncast: Is Devon’s tourism industry in trouble?

The episode examines the challenges facing the sector and what they could mean for the county.

It also looks at how sustainable fashion really is, and explores to a new local business making it easier to shop for clothes in a way that is better for the environment.

And a sound and light installation returns to Exeter Cathedral for the sixth time, the Dean explains why the 11th century building is the perfect setting.

Josh Tate presents this edition of Devoncast.

On the festive edition of Devoncast:

A Devon charity has received hundreds of thousands of pounds thanks to donations from comedian Ricky Gervais, providing a huge boost for its work supporting people across the county.

Local cancer charity FORCE has shared its Christmas message, thanking supporters and reminding people that help is available throughout the festive period.

It’s panto season and there’s plenty on offer this year, with Dick Whittington taking to the stage at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal as families get ready for festive fun!

And the south west’s leading orchestra is getting into the seasonal spirit, combining the proms and traditional carol concerts in Exeter as the countdown to Christmas continues.

Josh Tate presents this edition.

The countdown to Christmas is on, and we have a busy and action packed edition for you!

Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead Rachel Gilmour joins us to talk about the budget and local farmers.

We hear from a South West charity which goes to all corners of the globe, which has just launched a Christmas appeal.

We speak to the man behind plans for more than a thousand homes on the edge of Newton Abbot. He explains why he believes the development is needed and why he says a priceless local nature reserve is in safe hands.

And the leader of a local council explains why a budget described as dull might be exactly what his authority needs at a time of financial strain.

Josh Tate presents this edition.

Devon’s tourism sector has been facing a period of uncertainty as attractions respond to visitor habits changing and rising costs. Data has shown how some of the South West’s attractions have been reporting steady performances, while others are on the market or shutting their gates for the final time.

Tourism leaders in Devon suggest the sector is entering a phase where adaptation and innovation will be essential for long term stability. Many operators say the pressures facing the industry are now shaping how attractions plan, invest and position themselves for future seasons.

Tourism supports thousands of jobs across the region and contributes significantly to the county’s economy.

In this episode of Devoncast we hear from those at the centre of the sector. We speak to Roger Sell who is the Chairman of Devon’s Top Attractions and General Manager of the River Dart Country Park and also catch up with Josh Haywood who is the General Manager of Devon’s biggest theme park, Crealy.

Radio Exe’s Josh Tate delves into the data and helps offer an insight into the challenges, the resilience and the choices that will shape the future of tourism across Devon.

The liberal Demorcat MP for Honition and Sidmouth, Richard Foord, joins us and talks all things politics here in Devon.

Charity North Devon Against Domestic Abuse speaks about their new campaign on the run up to Christmas.

And it’s been very cold across Devon recently with gritters out and about, we bring more on that.

Josh Tate presents this edition.

In this episode the Labour MP for Exeter, Steve Race talks about local government reorganisation, local priorities and national issues.

We also hear from the man leading the restoration of the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter as he shares his ambitious vision for the site and when building work is likely to begin.

Plus a rising star of the orchestral world who performs with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra tells us about life on tour and their upcoming appearance at the Exeter Great Hall in the run up to Christmas.

Josh Tate presents this edition.

An action packed edition of Devoncast this week as we hear from Faye Whitley, co-owner of Beevive, the Devon business that took its bee-saving idea to Dragon’s Den earlier this year.

Westpoint plays host to two major touring events, including Vincent Van Gogh and the Titantic.

An East Devon catering company’s expansion plans which could have created more than 100 jobs have been rejected by the district council.

And we meet the team behind a new film celebrating five decades of live music in Torbay.

Josh Tate presents this edition.

In this episode, we hear from Torbay Lib Dem MP Steve Darling, who’s calling on the Health Secretary to visit Torbay Hospital and urging what he describes as 'much-needed investment' in the facility.

We also speak with Helen Wylde-Archibald, the new CEO of the Devon Chamber of Commerce, about her vision for local business and opportunity across the county.

Plus, Devon’s annual Business Show returned to the Plymouth Life Centre this week, bringing together innovation and enterprise.

And a new project is connecting Exeter’s railway stations with the city’s scenic Green Circle.